For many days, I wanted to watch a meaningful movie that would neither cause fear nor anxiety.
But since I was too busy with Diwali preparations, I couldn’t dig to find one.
However, I found some random clips in my Facebook feed about the Tamil movie ‘Meiyazhagan’ with some amazing captions praising the film.
I immediately opened my Netflix to watch the movie.
At the beginning of the movie, I was wary about the content because of cultural differences, and the language barrier.
The movie starts with a story of betrayal and its impact on the victims.
With Arvind Swamy taking on the role of Arulmozhi, I initially anticipated a gentle and calming story. However, as the film unfolded and the narrative deepened, I found myself deep into its complexities. The character development and emotional arcs began to resonate deeply, creating a profound impact that touched the soul. By the end, I realized that the film offered far more than I had expected, revealing layers of intensity and richness that left a lasting impression.
In a world that often feels weighed down with negativity, we can all appreciate and welcome anything that brings positivity and hope. It is heartening to see such efforts that uplift and inspire people around us.
In an environment of odds, the odyssey of unconditional love surely sublimes the mindset.
The film ‘Meiyazhagan’ is a thrilling story that subtly takes the audience into a surreal world, the world we forget while moving forward to conquer the world with negativity.
The essence of the story ‘Meiyazhagan’
A story imploring the complexity of humanity, keeping a tab on all the simplicity, is what the film ‘Meiyazhagan’ is all about.
The story starting with deceit ends smoothly on a note of unconditional love.
Arulmozhi was forced to leave his ancestral home and even his native town with his parents in his early youth when some people fraudulently transferred it in their name.
This incident left such an indelible mark on his mind that, although the family was very attached to everyone in his hometown, he never tried to go there again.
All of them felt this trauma after being deceived by some acquaintances, their eyes always remained moist even at the slightest memory of the past.
Humans are such amazing creatures who find solace in trivial material things like a bicycles, some random buildings, and even the lanes where they usually pass by.
Relationships are equally important for many people, although simple things add to the connection.
India has numerous relationships beyond just family; neighbors, doctors, bank employees, hawkers, sweepers, domestic servants, watchmen, shopkeepers, and others we encounter.
In India, we never shy away from expressing our intrinsic emotions, and attachments to things around us. This reflects our resilience and strength, allowing us to stand tall despite the unexpected challenges we’ve faced in recent years.
The Movie Meiyazhagan aptly portrays the essence of emotional attachment to material things and the humans around us.
With Arulmojhi in the epicenter, all other characters are depicted sensibly.
Arulmojhi’s parents gracefully accepted their fate, decided to leave their native place, and raised a mature and responsible persona in their son. With all the grief hidden under the sleeves, their grit was hard to miss in the film.
Each female character— a mother, sister, aunt, wife, or daughter—reflects a profound elegance and restraint, reminding us of the strength they embody in their various roles.
The scene of Arulmojhi meeting his sister after such a long period is hard to believe given the close bonding in the family. But that’s the essence of the drama, isn’t it?
Unfolding of a forgotten relationship
The entry of Meiyazhagan is more dramatic than cinematic.
Meiyazhagan’s constant following of Arulmojhi at her sister’s wedding, his excessive enthusiasm, clingy behavior, and tendency to intrude on his personal space, confused Arulmojhi. Being unaware of the connection with Meiyazhagan, Arulmojhi was more puzzled by his antics.
But the ultimate character in the film is the ‘Bicycle’, outrightly filling in the blank spaces between two protagonists, Arulmojhi and Meiyajhagan.
Because some memories selectively disappeared due to unwanted incidents, Arulmojhi found it hard to join the dotted lines.
Arulmojhi didn’t know about Meiyazhagan’s gratitude, so he found his behavior perplexing.
Story of the film- A breath of fresh air
Belonging to North India, I usually don’t connect with the language of South India, but the surreal content in their movies and their impeccable executions made me an ardent fan.
Likewise, I was glued to the movie from the beginning and even skipped some chores.
I became emotional during the reunion scenes of Arulmozhi and his sister Bhuvana.
Again, I was pleasantly intrigued when Arulmojhi’s daughter effectively broke the ice by dialing Meiyazhagan.
The story unfolds with intricate layers, revealing unexpected twists and turns. As the narrative progresses, Arulmozhi reaches a pivotal moment where he finally recalls Miyazhagan by his name, signifying a deeper connection between them. This moment encapsulates the complexity of their relationship and highlights how the unfolding events mirror the richness and depth of the characters involved.
Conclusion-
As I mentioned earlier, I don’t know much about the South Indian film industry, except for a few names that are now well-established in Bollywood, the film had such a good impact on me that I recommend it to everyone I know.
As far as Arvind Swami is concerned, I have been his fan since his film Bombay.
In my humble review, I request other filmmakers to make films that do not inspire the audience to lose their mental capacity and intelligence.
Good movies guide society, filmmakers should not forget this.
My opinion about the film Meiyazhagan
When animosity or hatred is absent from a person’s heart, life transforms into a much smoother journey. Without these negative emotions, individuals can cultivate a greater sense of peace and harmony in their lives. This absence of hostility allows for more positive relationships, greater emotional well-being, and a clearer perspective on the challenges that arise. Embracing kindness and understanding fosters a supportive environment, making navigating daily struggles easier and enjoying life’s moments to the fullest.